William Ruto Showers Raila With Praise As He Unveils His AUC Bid: "Visionary Pan-Africanist"

• On Tuesday, August 27, President William Ruto unveiled the candidature of Raila Odinga for the African Union Commission's chairmanship position
• In his speech, Ruto said the former prime minister is the most ideal candidate for the continental job
• The president praised the ODM leader, saying he possesses experience and has a proven track record in transformative leadership

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi—President William Ruto has officially launched ODM leader Raila Odinga's bid to become the next head of the African Union Commission.

In his speech on Tuesday, August 27, at State House Nairobi, Ruto lauded Raila's credentials, saying he was the perfect man for the AUC job.

"Therefore, I know that Hon Odinga not only possesses the requisite credentials, but he is also the ideal candidate to lead the African Union Commission. Accordingly, Kenya endorses his candidacy unreservedly, and we commit wholeheartedly to supporting his candidature, his vision and his leadership. He embodies extensive experience and a deep understanding of both African affairs and global dynamics, which are crucial for leading the African Union farther into the centre of global affairs and closer to the hearts of our people," Ruto said.

Ruto termed Raila a celebrated statesman whose longevity in leadership has been sustained by an unrelenting devotion to democratic change as the foundation of sustainable freedom and prosperity.

Why William Ruto is confident with Raila's candidature

The president said the ODM leader has experience and a proven track record in transformative leadership.

"He possesses the professional capacity and experience, a proven track record of transformative leadership and wide experience of accomplishment at the national and regional levels," he added.

Ruto expressed his confidence that the former prime minister would make Africa proud and powerful.

"Excellencies, I present to you a visionary Pan-African, a bold and wise leader, a professional and technocrat as well as a towering statesman and veteran mobiliser for positive change. I am confident that he will give his utmost and do all it takes to make Africa proud and powerful," the president stated.

What Rigathi Gachagua said about Raila's AUC bid

During the event, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has previously had differences with Raila, praised him highly.

Gachagua described Raila as Kenya's finest and acknowledged his significant contributions to Africanism.

He noted that his only concern about Raila was the competition between Raila and Ruto for the 2022 presidential position.

What you need to know about Raila's AUC bid

• He received a standing ovation from leaders after delivering a powerful speech.
• List of African leaders who attended the launch of Raila's AUC bid campaign.
• William Ruto asked Kenyans to pray for Raila's bid for the AUC top post.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke